Ronda Rousey reportedly close to signing with WWE

The mixed martial arts star has always been rumored to make the move to professional wrestling after her UFC career seemingly ended when she was knocked out by Amanda Nunes inside 48 seconds in December 2016.

It's been speculated for a while but reports are now swirling that Rousey is getting close to finalising a deal with the WWE, which would see the 30-year-old make a long-awaited jump across to the wild world of professional wrestling.

Rousey, who appeared at WrestleMania 31 and in the crowd at the Mae Young Classic, has not fought with the UFC since her loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 on December 30th, 2016.

And it seems like the first ever female UFC Champion will embark on a different adventure as two people close to her told USA TODAY that she's finalising a switch to WWE.

"I've been out there probably saying if she wants the opportunity I'm happy to give it to her". The UFC's first female fighter, Rousey began her MMA career 12-0, usually dispatching her foes shortly into the first round, and won acclaim for her skills, looks and charisma. She could feasibly become a great pro wrestler in the ring, and based on how genuine she is in interviews, Rousey could easily be a relatable character in WWE as either a heel or babyface. She's got enough money and all of that stuff.

That would be huge for wrestling fans as Rousey would lock horns with the likes of Paige, Asuka, Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair and many more. "I don't want to see it happen".

If Rousey finalizes her deal with WWE in the near future, it would make sense for a fight between her and Flair to take place at Wrestlemania 34 in New Orleans on April 8.

MMA Weekly reported Wednesday that, as production on that film is expected to last until February, Rousey would not be a full-time member of WWE but would participate in some of the company's most high-profile events over the coming year. WrestleMania season is right around the corner, and there's no question WWE would want to have Rousey's debut coincide with one of the company's biggest shows of the year.